How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Many double glazing repairs-glazed windows come with a warranty that lasts up to 20 years. If you find an issue, it's best to check with the company you bought them from to see what their policy is regarding repairs.

In some instances, fixing your double glazing can be an easy task. Here are the most frequent problems and how to fix them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal to keep the inner and outer glass in place. It can be difficult to remove a damaged glass pane without damaging the frame. This kind of damage may also result in the loss of energy efficiency which is why it is essential to repair the crack as quickly and correctly.

Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is an easy task that can be completed at home using a few materials and tools. To begin, you must remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass may contain hazardous shards. Once the glass that has broken is removed, clean the area of the frame with an abrasive pad that is dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to get rid of any residue left by the adhesive used to secure the broken glass to the frame.

Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all glazing points have been removed, clean the backside and l-shaped space of the window frame. Then, clean the old glass with a wirebrush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. Once the frame and glass are clean, a bit of glazier's glue can be applied to the edge of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame, and seal the gap between the frames.

Certain types of windows employ vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of glazier's points. If double-glazed windows have this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. Once the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the surface of the new window to avoid further damage.

Leaking Seals

Seals around the frame are likely to be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a major issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas leaking out and double glazing repairs windows are losing their efficiency. This could mean you spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they were previously.

There are a few warning signs you can watch for that can aid in preventing drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when closed it could be due to the seal having broken and needs to be resealed. You may also notice condensation forming on the glass, which is another indicator that the seals are failing.

The easiest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult job that requires specialized tools in order to avoid damaging the window repair glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glass company to do this work, as they can utilize deglazing equipment to take off the seals that were previously used and not damage the glass.

In certain cases, you might be able to fix your leaky double glazed windows by using a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't the most ideal option because it lacks heat resistance and can leak again. It is worth trying, if there are no alternatives available.

It is not unusual for the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to break over time. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions, or the way your windows are installed. When this happens it is essential to have the seals replaced immediately to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first installed.

A draughty window is often the first sign that your double glazing is not performing to its best. There will be drafts around the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or wall. The seal has broken and air is able to seep in. This can lead to damp patches appearing on the walls.

Condensation

Double glazing windows are an excellent alternative for those who are seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and last a long time however they require regular maintenance.

Condensation is a common problem with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the seal on the window has failed. If condensation is not addressed promptly, it can lead to mould growth and even to wood rot.

Condensation usually occurs in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels rising that causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This is the case for your windows. It's not a major issue, but it is important to remove any visible condensation as fast as possible to prevent it from spreading.

But it's not always a sign of a failing seal and there are other reasons your double glazed windows could be leaking. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows wear down over time. This could cause them to break, which can reduce the air gap between your glass panes. This is why it's important to get your double glazed windows repaired as soon as possible when you notice signs of condensation or misting.

To repair a double-glazed window that has condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane before installing it and then running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that might be present. Then, they'll apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.

It is important to know that repairing your double glazed windows is a lot cheaper than buying and installing new windows. It is essential to find a reputable tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade can help by supplying you with local, verified and checked tradesmen who are skilled in carrying out double glazing repairs. All you have to do is input your postcode and the type of tradesman you need to receive a list of results.

Frame Damage

If you notice crackling sounds or other unusual noises from your double-glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the frame seals has broken down. These seals keep cold and water out of the space between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as quickly as you can in order to stop moisture from entering your home.

Fragments that crack can be caused by wear and tear or as a result of injuries sustained by impact, for example when pets or children play. Often this can be remedied with an easy repair such as using silicone to fill in the crack or sanding down the area. However, more severe damage may require the insertion of new window frames which isn't something you'd want to do on yourself unless you are a competent tradesman.

Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a build-up of dust and dirt within the track or a structural problem such as warping. Based on the severity, this could be a simple issue to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.

Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because warm air in your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler air outside, and so it is more likely to be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.

Fortunately, the good aspect is that these issues can be corrected and, in most cases, it's less expensive than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, usually for 10 or 20 year and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty before you begin work. Always contact your company by email or letter, instead of text message. This will make it easier to follow-up on any issues that may arise.